MYTH: Suicide rates are higher around the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
FACT: December is the month with the lowest suicide rate.
Starting in 1949, May was recognized as mental health month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, decrease the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment and provide resources for improving mental health. A discussion of mental health awareness is not complete without a discussion of suicide.
Contrary to popular belief for some, suicide rates are highest in the months of April, May and June. Of those, the month of April has the highest number of suicides each year. This has been known for decades. Many people believe that the holiday season is depressing for some or that the dreary winter weather makes people sad and, therefore, the result is more suicides toward the end of the year. Nothing could be further from the truth: The month with the lowest suicide rate is December.
Why is this?
Scientists, researchers and mental health providers have long speculated about the cause of suicide rate increases in the Spring and Summer months. One theory that’s gaining ground has to do with plants, flowers and trees. Spring brings tons of blooms. This brings pollen and other allergens, which bring tons of inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to all manner of physical maladies, including everything from allergies to autoimmune illnesses to cancer. In particular, we know that the inflammation can be a catalyst for the release of chemicals related to stress and anxiety. Those with existing mood disorders are even more susceptible to the negative impact of this chemical release. What you may not know is that the inflammation leads to increased levels of quinolinic acid (QUIN). QUIN is a neurotoxin that causes both physical and psychological problems. It is produced by activated immune cells known as microglia, which are the primary form of defense of the central nervous system. They are located throughout the brain and spinal cord and account for 10-15% of our brain cells. QUIN increases free radicals in the body and is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, autism, ALS, multiple sclerosis, HIV and many more. Furthermore, increased QUIN is correlated with increased depressive symptoms. It is also elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who attempt suicide.
Inflammation can also affect our body’s ability to produce the neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, known as serotonin, which can play a role in both anxiety and depression. The precursor for serotonin is an amino acid known as tryptophan, which is a chemical found in various foods, such as chicken, eggs, dairy products, peanuts and turkey. At the right level, serotonin can have a positive impact on our bodies and minds. When we have inflammation, though, tryptophan in our gut can turn into QUIN rather than serotonin.
With these issues, Spring isn’t all freshness and renewal for everyone. For some people, it’s actually quite torturous and can have far more destructive effects on psychological and physical functioning than we may realize.
So, what do we do about inflammation?
There are lots of natural options for decreasing inflammation. Naturopaths and functional medicine specialists are generally well-versed in natural remedies, so you may wish to consider consulting with one for more information on natural ways to combat inflammation. In addition, nutritionists are good sources of information regarding anti-inflammatory foods and various dietary intake programs to decrease inflammation, as well as making you aware of things about your intake that could be working against you in some way. Do your own deep dive and consult your medical provider before trying ANY of these:
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Bromelain
- Turmeric/curcumin with piperine
- Green mussels
- Ginger
- Resveratrol
- Spirulina
- PREbiotics, such as NOW brand inulin, different from PRObiotics, which are dissolved largely in the stomach and may actually increase the number of bad bacteria in the gut in some people
- Vitamin B6
- Omega 3s (fish oil)
- Omega 9s (extra virgin olive oil)
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid (flaxseed oil)
- Auricular vagus nerve stimulation
- Intermittent fasting
- Acupuncture
- Low carbohydrate diet
- Decreased sugar intake
- Low histamine diet
This article is for all people, whether you have mental health issues or not, whether you’re physically fit or not. It’s very important to decrease your systemic inflammation, no matter who you are. If you are feeling suicidal or considering killing yourself, please get help immediately. Call 911, go to the nearest emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. No situation or event is worth your life.
WARNING: I am a doctor, but I am NOT a physician who can dispense medical advice. This article is NOT medical advice. Don’t be foolish; do your own research and talk to your medical provider. Do NOT try any of the options suggested here without consulting your medical practitioner.
Sources: www.hopkinsmedicine.org, www.yahoo.com, www.walshnatural.com, www.hindawi.com, www.healthline.com, www.wikipedia.org, U.S. Patent Applications 8,914,114 B2 and 10,335,396
DISCLAIMER: Blog material is for informational purposes only. Blog content is not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Information contained herein should not be used to diagnose or treat a mental health issue without consulting a qualified provider. This material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
